Music career

Syed received her initial training in music from Ustad Akhtar Hussain. She first appeared on air in 1968–69 on Radio Pakistan, and her popularity increased in the 1970s and 1980s. "Yeh Alam Shauq Ka Dekha na jaey" , "Chanjar Phabdi na" and "Abhi to Main Jawan Hou.n" are some of her most popular songs. She has been the recipient of various musical awards in recognition of her achievements as a singer. In 1984, she appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine.

Being the youngest, Tahira was made to learn singing from the age of 12. After two years of rigorous classical music training by a professional teacher, Tahira was instructed in music by her mother.

Education

She obtained her primary education from the Convent of Jesus and Mary where she passed her Senior Cambridge examinations. She went on to study for and LLB Degree at Lahore College. She graduated with an LLB degree, before enrolling for Masters in English at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore; she later dropped out of the college.